A Crown Of Shadows

Chapter 3 - Shared Secrets, Unbreakable Bonds

The sun's final rays cast a warm golden hue across the wooden floor of our humble cabin. The flickering light dances playfully as I work on kneading the dough for the upcoming day. The rhythmic motion of my hands pressing into soft dough has become a comforting routine, a task performed countless times. With each movement, my mind wanders, seeking solace in the familiar pattern. The distant sounds of the village settling into a hushed calm create a stark contrast to the vibrant marketplace, where the threads of our fate start to unravel not long ago.

But as the sun's glow fades, gradually giving way to the encroaching night, my gaze shifts toward the horizon. There, against the backdrop of the waning light, emerge two figures, their silhouettes casting long shadows across the threshold of our cabin. I blink, doubting my senses for a moment, but the creak of the door as it swings open confirms their arrival.

Excitement bubbles up within me, setting my heart aflutter as my brothers stand before me with weary smiles. I drop the dough-covered spoon onto the wooden table and rush to them, the wooden floor cool beneath my feet. There's an exuberance in their presence that fills the room, bringing a welcome warmth that's been absent for far too long. Harrison, the older of the two, with sandy blond hair and a perpetual twinkle in his blue eyes, pulls me into a bear hug. His muscles are solid from years of labor, and he radiates a protective aura that's been a constant in my life.

Tobias, the younger twin with tousled brown hair and a mischievous grin that mirrors mine, joins our embrace. His blue eyes, so similar to mine and Harrison's, hold a spark of youthful energy, and his lean, fit frame reflects the hard work he's done throughout his life alongside Harrison.

Their scent and familiar touch wrap me in a sense of security that's been missing in their absence. Their hug is tight, the unspoken bond between us stronger than ever.

As I step back, grinning from ear to ear, their eyes gleam with curiosity, their voices a symphony of familiarity as they ask in unison, "Where's Ma?" Their identical expressions convey a mix of eagerness and concern, the years of shared experiences etched in their faces.

"She's sleeping," I reply, my own eagerness barely contained. The cabin feels alive with the energy of their unexpected return. My heart swells with joy at the sight of them, and I can't help but let out a delighted laugh. "Now, tell me everything! Where have you both been? What have you been doing?"

"Woah, slow down, Isabel," Harrison grins, his eyes dancing with amusement. He shares a conspiratorial glance with Tobias, their unspoken understanding evident. "We don't want to wake Ma."

Their synchronized hesitation is endearing, and it's clear they've rehearsed their approach. They exchange another knowing look, as if trying to coordinate their responses, but their attempts are less than seamless, giving away their intention to keep me in the dark. Their reluctance to reveal everything at once is met with my understanding.

I chuckle softly at their obvious attempts to shield me from the truth, knowing that whatever they've been through, it must be significant. "Alright," I relent, my curiosity piqued but my patience intact. "I won't press you for details just yet, but I expect a good story when the time is right."

Turning around to face the small, dimly lit kitchen area, I retrieve the remnants of our meager dinner—a loaf of bread from yesterday, its crust now slightly hardened, and a handful of apples that have miraculously managed to escape being consumed by our perpetually hungry stomachs. With each step, I can feel the wooden floor creaking beneath my feet.